ATV-3 Launch Delayed, ESA Announces

The spacecraft is no longer scheduled to take off on March 9

Officials at the European Space Agency (ESA) announce that the third Automated Transfer Vehicle, called Edoardo Amaldi, will not lift off on March 9, as originally planned. A new launch date has yet to be established, but the organization is bound to make an announcement.

While ESA did not announce the exact problem that led to the delay, a short press release indicates that a routine inspection uncovered an issue that warrants a few extra days of preparation. The “additional measures are required to ensure the maximum readiness,” the statement explains.

Edoardo Amaldi (ATV-3) is bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The unmanned space capsule carries supplies for the crew of Expedition 30, including fuel, water, personal items and food.

The ESA ATV series contains the largest robotic resupply capsule created for serving the ISS. They double as modules once on the station, and are disposed off through atmospheric reentry.